Simon Kattenhorn named new dean at UH Hilo’s College of Natural and Health Sciences
Kattenhorn comes to UH Hilo from the University of Alaska Anchorage where he was a professor of geological sciences and an associate dean at the Department of Geological Sciences.
By Susan Enright.
Simon Kattenhorn from the University of Alaska Anchorage will be the new permanent dean at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s College of Natural and Health Sciences. The appointment was approved by the UH Board of Regents at their July 6 meeting; Kattenhorn’s appointment begins August 14. He replaces Brian Wissman, who will continue to serve as interim dean until Kattenhorn begins the post in August.
“I am grateful that we had such a capable interim dean in Brian Wissman, and we are all excited to have Dean Kattenhorn join our team,” says UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. “His rich experience will serve UH Hilo well in the coming years.”
Kattenhorn comes to UH Hilo from the University of Alaska Anchorage where he was a professor of geological sciences and an associate dean of math and natural sciences and social sciences at the Department of Geological Sciences in UUA’s College of Arts and Sciences.
He has taught courses in structural geology, geomechanics, and geohazards, and has conducted extensive research into both field-based structural geology on Earth and satellite-based investigations of other bodies in the solar system. Specifically, his structural geology research considers tectonic and volcanic processes in developing extensional fault systems such as continental rifts and mid-ocean spreading centers, with application to hydrocarbon systems and geohazards. His planetary geoscience research considers the tectonic evolution of solid surfaces throughout the Solar System, including Mars and its moon Phobos as well as outer solar system icy moons such as Europa, Enceladus, Titan, Dione, and Triton.
Covering 29 years of research activity and dissemination activity, Kattenhorn’s research portfolio includes 20 competitive federal grants, 45 peer-reviewed journal articles as primary or co-author, and 184 conference abstracts. Over the course of his career, he has taught 65 course sections and has mentored 26 graduate students and 11 undergraduate students in research projects. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, and a member of various professional organizations, including as a fellow at the Geological Society of America.
Kattenhorn also is a former chair of the Planetary Geology Division of the Geological Society of America and lead investigator of the CRAFTI (Continental Rifting in Africa: Fluid-Tectonic Interaction) collaborative research group that was developed with funding from the National Science Foundation and now involves researchers from University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Rochester, University of New Mexico, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Syracuse University.
Kattenhorn received his doctor of philosophy in geological and environmental sciences from Stanford University (1998) and his master of science in geology from University of Akron (1994). He also holds a master of science degree (1994) and a bachelor of science degree with honors (1991) from University of Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Learn more about Simon Kattenhorn’s teaching and research at his Weebly website. Prof. Simon Kattenhorn is also on Twitter: @KattenhornSimon.
Susan Enright is a public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
